How To Choose A Disney World Resort
When it comes to planning your Walt Disney World trip there is always a really big question to stay on property or off property. There are a ton of benefits to staying on Disney property with your trip but it may not be for everyone. Here are some tips for How To Choose A Disney World Resort that is right for you.
This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click and purchase something. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
The great thing about Disney lodging is that Disney Parks really strive to cater to all of their customers. They have options for resorts that include various costs to fit different budgets, different themes and decors including resorts that are more decadent and those that are more kid-friendly and character-themed.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing a Walt Disney World Resort For Your Family
Today we are going to walk through all of the different types of resorts and lodging that Disney properties offer that will help you decide if staying on Disney property is a good fit for you and if so, which resort is the best fit for your trip?
Disney breaks their resorts into three main types of resorts including Value Resort Hotels, Moderate Resort Hotels, Deluxe Resort Hotels. We’re going to break down each category and what you can expect as far as décor, accommodations, cost, and more! Additionally, we will make some recommendations of Disney’s most popular resorts that fit into each category.
All About Disney Value Resort Hotels
Disney’s Value Resorts are the most affordable Disney resort options. These are perfect for those that are looking to travel on a budget but still keep their trip totally Disney.
Type of Rooms: Disney’s Value Resorts have rooms that are similar to that of a motel meaning that the rooms open to the outside.
Cost: Value Resorts range from $120-$220 per night dependent on the time of year and days of the week, these are the cost for individual rooms. Family Suites are a bit more expensive typically starting at around $300+ per night, however, they do accommodate more people in a single room.
Décor: All of the Disney Value Resort rooms are decorated with your favorite Disney Characters ranging from Disney classics to your favorite newcomers and Pixar stars!
Amenities: All Disney Resort Hotels have open pool areas, but they are just simple pools – no water slides or added bonuses. Additionally, value resorts offer food court style dining, and transportation within Disney grounds.
What are The Disney World Value Resorts?
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
All About Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
Moderate Resort Hotels are a mid-grade resort, a bit more expensive than your value resort hotels but they have a bit more to offer.
Type of Rooms: Again, similarly to the Value Resorts your moderate resorts hotels also have rooms that are motel style, opening to the outside (with the exception of the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs) however the rooms at Moderate Resorts are a bit bigger and more luxurious than your value resorts.
Cost: These rooms are typically around $220-$300+ per night again dependent on time of year.
Décor: The décor and theming of the rooms in moderate resorts are considered to be a bit more “adult” and sophisticated. They still have the Disney touch but it’s not quite so bright and flamboyant as the value resorts.
Amenities: Similarly to the Value resorts, the moderate resorts offer pool areas for swimming and relaxing, their water areas do include water slides and more water fun! They also offer transportation throughout Disney properties as well as food court and table service dining.
What Are The Disney World Moderate Resorts?
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
All About Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
Deluxe Resorts are when you start to get into the more luxury grade hotels that Disney has to offer.
Type of Rooms: The Deluxe Resort hotels are when you get into indoor resort hotel rooms. Rooms are accessed from within the resort.
Cost: These rooms are typically around $450+ per night again dependent on time of year.
Décor: The décor in deluxe resorts are certainly more luxurious and decadent. They of course still incorporate the magic of Disney into the hotel and décor but in a fancier way.
Amenities: As with all of the other resorts, transportation is offered to guests throughout Disney property. Additionally, the Deluxe resorts have a more decadent pool and lounge areas including water slides, a lazy river, and more! Dining at deluxe resorts includes food court style, table service, fine dining, and the introduction of Character Dining!
What are the Disney World Deluxe Resorts?
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney Deluxe Villas
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The thing I love most about Disney lodging is that no matter what level of resort that you book, you are still going to get top-notch service and you will feel the Disney magic at any of these resorts. Which type of resort sounds like it will fit your budget and trip planning best? Let us know and feel free to share any insight or advice you may have!
More Disney Travel Tips
The Ultimate Disney Packing List
What To Pack In Your In Park Bag
Magic Kingdom Day Planning Tips